Dana 60 and new XHD leaf spring install.....good and bad results

[KillerBee]

Got my new Dana 60 installed today along with the new MP XHD springs.

The good news is the Dana fit perfectly.

The not so good news is as has been posted in the past the MP XHD leaf springs make the car sit TOO LOW.

Like many have said the XHD springs make the car sit at factory ride height which might be OK for factory 14" wheels but for bigger 15" wheels and tires the car sits too low for me.

I'm also concerned that the XHD most likely will sag even more with use.

Thankfully Summit will take the springs back and with all new hardware the springs will be real easy to remove.

So I'll give ESPO a call tomorrow to price a set of +1 springs and option #2 is Dr. Diff suggested a pair of (soft) 3000lb. left side A body Super Stock springs which has the car sitting fairly low with good ride.

Small setback, actually swapping the rear end and springs went real easy, just another part of enjoying the Mopar hobby.

[74challenger03]

Feeling your pain on the springs. I ended up adding 2 springs to the set. Please post some pics when you get the springs.   

[jhaag]

looks good to me. front sits too high. 

[Strawdawg]

Bigger tires would have to make the car sit higher...Are you being confused because the larger tires go further into the wheel arch so you think the car is lower?

I agree that the car looks good to me but needs to have the torsion bars adjusted a little to drop the front end for a little rake.

[dfrazz]

I agree that the car looks good to me but needs to have the torsion bars adjusted a little to drop the front end for a little rake.

I agree adjust the torsion bars down, which may also have an effect on the rear springs.  I was bottoming out my 17" wheels and had to have an extra leaf add to each side of mine.

[cordodge]

I did what dr diff suggested 3000lbs springs. here are some pics might be hard to tell as it is on dollies and once the motor and trans is in it should come down a bit more

[KillerBee]

I did what dr diff suggested 3000lbs springs. here are some pics might be hard to tell as it is on dollies and once the motor and trans is in it should come down a bit more

Thanks for the post, car looks very nice.

Did you use 2 driver's side SS springs?

What size tires are on your car?

[KillerBee]

Thanks for the comments.

I did lower the front a pretty good amount before the pics...I can lower it even more but I'm starting to lose ground clearance and my local roads are terrible.

The rear tires are 275/60-15 and so far don't appear to rub anywhere but they go up inside the wheel well a little too much for me and I hear the XHD springs will probably sag even more over time.

It seems the majority of XHD users end up adding another leaf eventually.

I would like to raise the rear about an 1" and not worry about the leafs sagging over time.

[cordodge]

Thanks for the post, car looks very nice.

Did you use 2 driver's side SS springs?

What size tires are on your car?

thx, yes two driver side ss springs. the tires are 28x12 the springs are moved under the frame, the car should settle a touch more after the drive chain is installed  thx bruce

[KillerBee]

Well I removed the MP XHD springs this morning and took them back to Summit Racing.

Replaced them with a pair of 3000lb. driver's side A body Super Stock springs.

Had to buy the E body SS extended front spring hangers and some smaller A body rubber bushings for the  rear leaf spring shackle eyelet.
Thankfully Summit had everything in stock.

I am very pleased with the results

The car sits perfect...not too high not too low.

I can see the Dana rear end smiling at me now

I have the spring set in the higher hole on the front hanger.

I haven't driven it yet so I can't comment on the ride.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to take it on a road test.

[cordodge]

looks good, glad you got it worked out.  bruce

[Mpdlawdog]

I would keep the springs and lower the torsion bars...I like the way it sits  ....man you guys post fast!!!  glad it worked.....must be nice to live so close to Summit!!  I live in Delaware, OH...less than 5 minutes from Jegs!  They have save my butt a few times!!

cododge...your car is my poster child!  I have you pic printed out sitting on my windshield  .....someday Ill get there!! 

[cordodge]

I would keep the springs and lower the torsion bars...I like the way it sits  ....man you guys post fast!!!  glad it worked.....must be nice to live so close to Summit!!  I live in Delaware, OH...less than 5 minutes from Jegs!  They have save my butt a few times!!

cododge...your car is my poster child!  I have you pic printed out sitting on my windshield  .....someday Ill get there!!

hey thx very much mpdlawdog, I am sure you will get there it's been 6 years that I have been doing mine it takes time, money and patience but now that I am shooting for next summer to finish I am getting excited. take your time little by little and you'll get there.   bruce

[dodj]

Glad you found a spring combination that worked out the way you like it.
Put the remaining lug nuts in before your test ride! 

[ChallengerHK]

Glad you got it worked out. Can I ask, what wheels are those?